Fashion Designer and Reality Star On Mekahel Teases His ‘Sexy’ and ‘Chill’ Swim Line Ahead of Release
With just weeks to go until the launch of his MOUNDERWEAR swim collection, On Mekahel spoke exclusively to Playboy South Africa about what his fans can expect. Featuring effortlessly simple designs that prove to be undoubtedly flattering for all body types, On’s pieces will be the perfect garments to rock while soaking up the summer sun. On – who has always had an eye for emerging trends and all things fashion – is the expert when it comes to empowering men to feel cool, confident and sexy in their own skin. Whether they’re sporting a sweatsuit or rocking swim trunks, On’s inspiring words of wisdom motivate men all over the world to live their lives out loud, and live for themselves only. And aside from his endeavors in the fashion space, On spreads this same message on his reality TV series, Putting On, where he and husband Dave Cederberg showcase their daily lives and all it entails. “I feel blessed to be able to share my life, my work and my dreams with the world on our reality show. I’m so happy I am able to provide a platform that gives a deeper, more realistic view into the life of LGBTQ members; rather than only portraying the surface level stereotypes that many LGBTQ roles showcase in mainstream media,” On explains of the series, which is heading into its third season. “Sharing with the world that we have the same goals, life dreams and hopes that everyone else has. I’m forever grateful for the continued love shown to me by the LGBTQ community – I will always use my platform to take a stance and help as much as I can to gain the rights that we deserve as equal human beings in this beautiful world.” For more on On’s swim brand, fashion tips, and television series, read his exclusive interview with Playboy.
Images courtesy of On Mekahel
What inspired you to enter the world of fashion? Ever since I remember myself, as a kid back in Israel, I loved fashion! I would collect fashion magazines and watch runway shows online. It was always a matter of time for me, not a question of “if.” I wanted to be in the world of fashion and I didn’t take no for an answer.
What trends are you most excited about in 2021? I think that one trend I’m obsessed with and so excited for is the return of the Corset! I still have in my mind’s eye – one look from the Givenchy Spring runway- a look that I’m obsessed with! And also one dress from the Alexander McQueen show that just got me very excited for 2021 fashion. I think there is something aristocratic and sexy about a woman wearing a good corset – something of an old world, forbidden fantasy. Very alluring.
What are you most excited about for spring/summer fashion? I’m very excited for the colors. From looking at some shows I saw a lot of serene colors: light blue, purple that I’m very excited to see. The colors I saw a lot on the runways are clean and so peaceful. As someone that wears black a lot it, will be fun to try to add these colors into my color scheme.
Tell us about your swimwear line – the process of creating it, bringing it to life, and why now is the perfect time to launch it? Ever since I started this brand almost 5 years ago I always wanted to do swim, but it never came to life. Last summer while being on the beach me and my husband started talking about it. We decided we wanted to keep things cohesive for right now by still sticking to our basics color scheme (black and white) and offering two different cuts. Oftentimes, for us, simplicity wins. We were back and forth with our factory for almost 9 months trying to finalize every meticulous detail. And believe me when I say they are simple yet intricate, relaxed yet still l classy. But honestly, when you look at it closely you will understand. The fabric, the stitching, lining and details are well chosen and I’m so happy with the final product. It just feels like perfect timing cause we are so passionate about the final product. We also really took this time during quarantine to step outside of the box and conquer new territory. Throwing caution to the wind during a time of uncertainty just felt right!
Who is the perfect person to rock the swimwear? My husband. He is the sexiest man in the world to me. My personal preference. But in all seriousness, our swim style was designed with every body type in mind. And I really think the simplicity in them is what makes them so easy to rock. For the ones who like to show off more we have the speedo style and for the more laid back crowd we have the shorts.
How important is it to you to create a line for all men of all shapes, sizes, colors, etc? It’s important to me so much cause I think that every single person is beautiful, and therefore should have the opportunity to feel that way. We are here to foster confidence and love, for every color, shape and age. I think that the world is making a vital shift by finally starting the conversation that hasn’t been happening for so long. The time starts now to finally be more inclusive and I just want to be as much a part of this movement as I can.
What inspired the design process for the line? When I start working new designs; if it’s the swim or the new underwear style that’s coming out soon – it’s a process that begins in one moment. Usually me and my husband stay up all night and bounce ideas off of each other – the conversation starting a whole new world that we delve into and run with. Honestly these moments are so magical to me and I’m so grateful to be able to live passionately and creatively. Seeing my ideas come to life (and the process that accompanies it) is something that always continues to unpaired me.
What does it mean to you to be a pillar in the LGBTQ community? I feel blessed to be able to share my life, my work and my dreams with the world on our reality show. I’m so happy I am able to provide a platform that gives a deeper, more realistic view into the life of LGBTQ members ; rather than only portraying the surface level stereotypes that many LGBTQ roles showcase in mainstream media. Sharing with the world that we have the same goals, life dreams and hopes that everyone else has. I’m forever grateful for the continued love shown to me by the LGBTQ community – I will always use my platform to take a stance and help as much as I can to gain the rights that we deserve as equal human beings in this beautiful world.
How do you want men to feel when they’re wearing your pieces? Sexy. Chill. Confident. Comfortable. I want them to know how valuable they are and how powerful they are. I want them to believe in themselves and to dream big. They can rock this world as hard as they rock our swimwear!
When is the launch date and where can people buy the line? The swim line will launch on March 20th on mounderwear.com Following new underwear styles coming later in the summer! So much is coming and I can not wait for you to see it!
